India

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday criticised the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, stating that the proposed legislation suffers from “serious constitutional maladies”.

The Bill was introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai during the ongoing Budget Session.

Tewari said that the Congress would request the Speaker to refer the Bill to either a Standing Committee or a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed scrutiny when it comes up for discussion.

Speaking to reporters, Tewari argued that the Bill raises significant constitutional concerns. “The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill suffers from serious constitutional maladies, particularly because Article 300A of the Constitution guarantees the right to property. The provisions of the Bill undermine that constitutional guarantee by allowing immovable property to be disposed of in an arbitrary manner,” he said.

He further alleged that the legislation could have a chilling effect on civil society organisations that receive partial foreign funding.

“It grants arbitrary and unbridled powers to the executive, which could lead to targeted and selective action against organisations that may not align with the government’s agenda,” Tewari added.

Highlighting additional concerns, he said there are several other problematic provisions in the Bill that require closer examination.

“Therefore, when the Bill is taken up for discussion, we will recommend that it be referred to either a Standing Committee or a Joint Parliamentary Committee,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, introducing the Bill in the Lok Sabha, MoS Home Nityanand Rai stated that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and ensure the proper utilisation of foreign contributions.

Moving the Bill, Rai said its primary objective is to make the use of foreign funds more transparent and accountable. He emphasised that the government would not tolerate any activities that go against the spirit of the Constitution, the law, or the national interest, and would take necessary action accordingly.

Rai further clarified that the legislation is not intended to hinder genuine institutions. “Any organisation, whether an educational institution or an NGO, that works in line with the sovereignty and integrity of India and seeks to serve the nation will not face any obstruction,” he said.

Responding to opposition criticism that the Bill is “dangerous”, Rai asserted that it would only be “dangerous” for those involved in forced religious conversions using foreign funds or those misusing such contributions for personal gain.

--IANS

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Patna, March 25 (IANS) A major political controversy has erupted within the Janata Dal (United) in Bihar as its Lok Sabha MP from Banka, Giridhari Yadav, faces the threat of disqualification over alleged anti-party activities.

The issue escalated after Dileshwar Kamait, the party’s leader in the Lok Sabha, formally wrote to the Speaker seeking action against Yadav. The complaint accuses him of violating party discipline, particularly during the Assembly elections when his son, Chanakya Prakash Ranjan, contested on a ticket from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Yadav allegedly campaigned in his favour.

Backing the move, Sanjay Kumar Jha, JD(U)’s National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP, confirmed that a petition has been filed and questioned Yadav’s conduct. “Our party’s Lok Sabha leader, Dileshwar Kamait, has filed a petition with the Speaker. During the recent Vidhan Sabha elections, his son contested from the RJD in the same parliamentary constituency from which he is an MP, and he actively campaigned. This raises serious questions about adherence to party discipline. After that, what remains?” Jha said.

The controversy deepened further when Yadav publicly deviated from the party’s official stance on a key issue like SIR, reportedly terming a decision a “Tughlaqi decree”, a remark seen by the leadership as a serious breach of discipline.

Political observers note that although Yadav has long been considered close to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, tensions with the party leadership have been growing since the Assembly elections. His absence from a key event in Banka during Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ on March 17 further fuelled speculation about internal rifts.

Earlier, the party had issued him a show-cause notice seeking an explanation within 15 days. While Yadav claimed he had not received an invitation to the Banka event, the matter has now escalated, putting his Lok Sabha membership from Banka constituency under direct threat.

The development signals a firm stance by the JD(U) leadership to enforce party discipline, even against senior leaders, adding fresh intensity to Bihar’s evolving political landscape.

Reacting to the controversy, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh clarified that the move to seek action was not a collective decision of the party leadership. He said it was Kamait who independently submitted the application to the Speaker, adding that the party president will examine the matter and take a final decision after due deliberation.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Congress MP, Renuka Chowdhury, on Wednesday said that despite political differences, she personally wants West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to emerge victorious in the state.

Her remarks come amid recurring discussions within Opposition circles, where several INDIA Bloc leaders have several times suggested Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader of the alliance.

Speaking to IANS, Renuka Chowdhury said, “We want them to win, whoever it may be. Despite whatever political differences we may have, I want Mamata Banerjee to win in Bengal, and for Congress to also move forward there. This is my personal wish. It may or may not reflect the party’s official stance. But I hope that she gives a strong reply to the Centre.”

She also stated that attempts were being made to highlight shortcomings in CM Banerjee’s governance.

“They are trying to bring out her shortcomings. Governors are being changed overnight, and new ones are being appointed. The whole country has seen this. As a woman, she is fighting, so I will support her,” she said.

Reacting to allegations by some party leaders in Haryana regarding ticket distribution, Chowdhury said such claims are not new.

“These kinds of allegations surface frequently. Those who are disappointed after not getting tickets tend to make such statements. This is not the first time we are witnessing this,” she added.

On the Congress party’s prospects in Kerala, Chowdhury expressed confidence, saying, “The situation is very good. We are winning there. We expect to form the government and serve the people effectively.”

Commenting on India’s stance regarding the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, she said, “We are doing now what should have been done earlier. This has turned out to be a costly situation for us. I hope the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister understand that we are going through a very delicate phase. We will have to see how things unfold going forward.”

--IANS

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Chennai, March 25 (IANS) The DMK is set to contest at least 165 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as the party finalised its seat-sharing arrangement within the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), comprising 26 political parties.

With 66 seats already allotted to allies, the alliance has entered its final phase of consolidation ahead of the state polls.

Under the seat-sharing agreement, the Congress has been allotted 28 seats, making it the largest ally in the DMK-led front.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has secured eight seats, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist have been given five seats each.

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has been allocated four seats, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Humanist People's Party have been allotted two seats each.

In a significant strategic move, Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin announced that candidates from both the DMK and its allies would collectively contest in 175 Assembly constituencies under the party's 'Rising Sun' symbol, highlighting the unity and cohesion within the alliance.

In a detailed letter addressed to DMK cadres, Chief Minister Stalin said the seat-sharing process was carried out through extensive consultations with alliance partners, ensuring a democratic and balanced seat distribution.

He added that the inclusion of new political parties in the alliance required careful consideration to maintain fairness while maximising electoral prospects.

Chief Minister Stalin also underscored the achievements of the DMK government over the past five years, saying that the "Dravidian model" of governance had restored growth and stability in Tamil Nadu after what he described as a decade of setbacks under the previous AIADMK government.

He credited alliance partners for their support in advancing policies rooted in secularism, social justice, state rights, and equality.

The DMK leader highlighted the scale of internal participation in candidate selection, noting that more than 16,500 aspirants took part in interviews conducted between March 17 and 23.

He described the process as a reflection of the party's grassroots strength and internal democracy.

Calling for unity, Chief Minister Stalin urged DMK workers to support all alliance candidates irrespective of party lines.

"All 234 Assembly constituencies are ours," he said, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to secure victory in the upcoming state polls.

With seat-sharing largely completed, the DMK-led alliance is now shifting focus to campaign mobilisation, projecting a united front as it prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle.

--IANS

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Panaji, March 25 (IANS) A 22-year-old man was arrested in Goa's Quepem for illegal possession of suspected ganja worth around Rs. 30,000, officials said on Wednesday.

Quepem Police has registered a case against the accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

A police team, led by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Digamber Bondre of Quepem Police Station, apprehended the accused on Tuesday at Nirmal Nagar area of Quepem in South Goa.

According to the police, around 297 grams of greenish leafy substance with flowering and fruiting tops suspected to be ganja, all worth approximately Rs. 30,000 was recovered.

The accused, identified as Zakir Pirzade, is a local, a resident of Quepem in Goa, police said.

As part of the operation, police also recovered cash worth Rs. 20,000, one mobile phone, and one Fascino scooter, collectively valued at approximately Rs.1,50,000, from the accused.

He was produced before a Judicial Magistrate which sent him to three-days of police custody. Police said that he is being interrogated to ascertain the source of procurement and backward and forward linkages in the matter.

Officials said that further investigation in the case is in progress with PSI Digamber Bondre, under the supervision of PI Prashal Dessai, SDPO Quepem Ashish Shirodkar, and SP South Santosh Dessai.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in February, had provisionally attached immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 7.17 crore in Goa as part of a major money laundering investigation linked to international narcotics trafficking.

The action, which was carried out by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office, targeted assets allegedly acquired through the illicit trade of commercial-grade drugs.

The investigation was initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Goa, in March 2021.

The case named Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, Infinity John (alias David/Valentine Ejezie), and Prasad Prakash Walke as key accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over rising fuel prices, LPG shortages, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from key discussions, accusing the central government of ignoring pressing public concerns.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said that ensuring easy access to LPG cylinders and curbing black marketing should be among the government’s top priorities.

He stated that people in several parts of the country are being forced to stand in long queues or purchase cylinders at inflated prices.

“Today, the country’s priority is that people should not have to stand in queues for LPG cylinders or buy them in the black market. Ensuring access to LPG cylinders is a national priority, along with preventing shortages of petrol and diesel and protecting people from inflation,” Khera told IANS.

He further highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, claiming that nearly 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice remains stuck at sea, adding that multiple economic concerns are currently affecting citizens.

Stepping up his criticism, Khera also targeted Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister has remained largely absent from election campaigning and key political engagements.

“We are going everywhere to campaign, including Kerala and Assam. However, the Prime Minister has been absent. No state now wants the Prime Minister to come and campaign there,” he claimed, adding that rising fuel prices and LPG shortages are major issues troubling the public.

"Today, the situation has reached a point where the one who aspired to be a 'world leader' is not even being invited by his own party leaders in states where elections are being held," he claimed.

Khera further alleged that despite visible hardships faced by citizens, including black marketing of essential commodities near the national Capital, the government has failed to respond adequately.

“The entire country can see what is happening. The Prime Minister is either deliberately turning a blind eye or choosing to ignore the reality. Just a few kilometres from the Prime Minister’s Office, queues are forming and black marketing is taking place,” he alleged.

On the issue of all-party meetings, the Congress leader questioned the Prime Minister’s absence, stating that the real concern is not the presence or absence of the Leader of the Opposition, but the Prime Minister’s participation.

“The Prime Minister has been absent from the last two or three all-party meetings. He steps away from the Lok Sabha and does not attend these meetings. This is the real issue,” Khera said.

The Congress has been consistently criticising the Centre over inflation, fuel prices, and governance issues, while the government has maintained that it is taking necessary steps to stabilise prices and ensure supply of essential commodities.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda on Wednesday welcomed the passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in Gujarat, asserting that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government remains committed to eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the UCC Bill, 2026, on Tuesday, seeking to establish a common legal framework governing civil matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance across communities, irrespective of religion.

The state government stated the legislation is aimed at ensuring equality before the law and addressing disparities arising from religion-based personal laws. It maintained that the Code applies only to civil matters and does not interfere with religious beliefs or practices.

Reacting to the development, Nadda said in a post on X, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the BJP government is resolutely committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination among the citizens and granting equal rights to all through the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)."

The move places Gujarat among states that have taken legislative steps towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code, after Uttarakhand, while Goa continues to have a long-standing common civil law framework.

"It is heartening that, following Uttarakhand, the passage of the Uniform Civil Code bill in Gujarat state now is a commendable step. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ji and all the legislators who supported this bill," Nadda added.

Taking an indirect swipe at the Opposition, the Union Minister further said, "Appeasing any particular community by granting special rights, driven by the greed for vote banks and escalating a policy of appeasement, is an insult to democracy."

Through the Uniform Civil Code and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Nadda stated the Bharatiya Janata Party is "committed to the upliftment of all with the policy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'."

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 25 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Wednesday, directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make adequate safety arrangement besides making sufficient provisions for drinking water as well as other basic amenities for the voters at all polling stations that would be utilised for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen gave this direction to the ECI on a public interest litigation filed by the West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party President and Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, seeking the court's intervention to ensure 100 per cent booth-level security in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state on April 23 and April 29.

However, the division bench, at the same time, said that the petitioner did not have the authority on whether any central agency or a state agency would be made accountable for ensuring the state polls peacefully.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court said that the decision on this issue would be taken by the ECI.

The division bench of Calcutta High Court also added that the court would ensure that the voters going to the polling stations to cast their votes are provided with basic amenities like drinking water, and that the security systems at the polling stations and polling booths are adequate or not.

During the court hearing in the matter on March 18, the division bench raised the question of whether it was not also the duty of the West Bengal government, along with the ECI, to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polls in the state.`

West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, for 142 constituencies.

On Wednesday, the public interest litigation, challenging the ECI's recent orders for transfer, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers, is also scheduled for hearing at the same division bench of the Calcutta High Court.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a plea challenging the Centre’s recent circular regarding the singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at official and public functions, observing that the petition was “premature” as the guidelines do not mandate compliance or prescribe any penal consequences.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, remarked that the January 28 notification issued by the Union government was merely advisory in nature.

During the hearing, the CJI Kant-led Bench repeatedly underlined that the circular does not make the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory. “We will hear all this when there are penal consequences or when it is made mandatory. This notification is advisory. No penal consequences, also,” the apex court remarked.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, argued that even in the absence of explicit penalties, the advisory could create a situation of indirect compulsion.

He argued that individuals refusing to sing or stand in respect of the national song may face social pressure or discrimination. “There is always a burden on those who refuse. In the garb of an advisory, people can be compelled to conform,” Hegde submitted, adding that “patriotism cannot be compelled” and that the Constitution must protect individual conscience.

However, the CJI Kant-led Bench said that the apprehensions raised by the petitioner regarding possible discrimination were speculative at this stage. “If there are any penal consequences or instances of discrimination, you are free to approach this Court,” the apex court said, while dismissing the plea.

The petition had challenged the Centre’s circular, which suggested that ‘Vande Mataram’ may be sung in educational institutions and public functions.

The government has maintained that the guideline is intended to promote respect for the national song and is not enforceable by law. The issue also comes amid renewed focus on the historical and cultural significance of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently invoked the “enduring spirit” of ‘Vande Mataram’ during a discussion in the Lok Sabha marking 150 years of its composition.

He described it as a unifying force that played a pivotal role during India’s freedom struggle and continues to inspire generations.

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath, ‘Vande Mataram’ was set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore and first presented at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.

The song went on to become a powerful rallying cry during the independence movement, resonating with leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose. In 1950, India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, accorded ‘Vande Mataram’ the status of the national song.

--IANS

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Kozhikode, March 25 (IANS) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's much anticipated campaign visit to Kerala's Kozhikode on Wednesday has been postponed, following the hospitalisation of his mother and veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

The development has prompted a swift recalibration of the Congress campaign schedule in Kerala, with party President Mallikarjun Kharge stepping in to lead the outreach for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Rahul Gandhi, a former Wayanad Lok Sabha member, which borders various Assembly constituencies in Kozhikode, was set to visit the district, however, the Congress leaders said that the LoP will return as the Assembly polls in Kerala take place on April 9.

The LoP's visit was expected to energise Congress workers and provide momentum in closely contested Assembly seats, particularly in the Malabar region, where electoral battles are often intense and finely balanced.

However, the sudden health concerns involving Sonia Gandhi necessitated LoP Rahul Gandhi's decision to stay back in Delhi, leading to the postponement of his Kozhikode visit.

Party sources indicated that Sonia Gandhi's health condition required immediate attention, prompting Rahul Gandhi to prioritise family responsibilities over political engagements.

While no fresh date has been officially announced for the LoP's Kerala visit, Congress leaders expressed hope that he would join the poll campaign at a later stage, depending on the situation.

Meanwhile, Congress President Kharge will spearhead the poll campaign efforts in the poll-bound state.

Kharge is expected to address a series of public meetings and interact with Congress workers, focusing on consolidating support for UDF candidates.

The Congress President's presence is seen as significant, particularly at a time when the party is looking to maintain poll campaign momentum amid evolving political dynamics.

Veteran state Congress leaders have downplayed concerns over the change in Rahul Gandhi's schedule, asserting that the UDF campaign machinery remains robust and well coordinated.

They emphasised that the alliance continues to enjoy grassroots support and is confident of translating it into electoral gains, which was hugely visible at the December held local body polls, causing a jolt to the CPI-M-led Left Front.

--IANS

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